Abstract

Screening for the antimicrobial activities of the medicinal plants Coccinia indica and Cassia auriculata

Author(s): R.Prasanna

The crude ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Cassia auriculata and Coccinia indica were tested for their antimicrobial activities with three bactrerial [Staphylococcus aureus, Steptococcus pyrogens, Escherichia coli] and two fungal [Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum] organisms. It was observed that both plants possess antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyrogens. Cassia auriculata showed some weak activity against Gram negative bacteria E.coli, while Coccinia indica was inactive. The antifungal activity studies on C.albicans and T.rubrum had negative results for both the plants. The above results clearly demonstrate selective anti bacterial activity of bothmedicinal plants.